As you (may) know, my oldest nanny daughter is Sarah Claire (13yo)! She goes by both names, always has, and she doesn’t feel connected to either. Tonight she explained to me that she thinks the last time she felt her name really “fit” her (her personality, vibe, just her) was when she was 8 (5 years ago)!
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She asked what names I thought could suit her. We’ve been watching Stranger Things, so the first think I had to offer was Maxine nn Max. It’s a lot of things she likes: less frilly, less feminine, less “over-the-top” than “Sarah Claire.” Names I know she likes include Phoenix, Raye, and Winona (this last one she doesn’t like for herself but likes in general). She’d like a name that’s shorter than her name, also one that leans gender-neutral.
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I told her I’d ask you all what ideas you have for her, too, because I’m sure you’ll have some gems I’d have never imagined; we can’t wait to read them!! 
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About SC 🥾
Climbs trees (and roofs, fences, rocks, any/everything) like a spider. She’s just made to climb. Zero interest in being like anyone else she knows—except for superheroes, the most b@d@ss book characters she knows, or the witty, snarky, snappy kids from movies we watch. Hasn’t worn a bandaid or gotten a haircut in 4 years. She wants nothing to do with either, ever. Favorite colors are black and gold. Would rather build a mud pit in the backyard with her sisters or roll down sand dunes with her cousins than…well, anything else. Has affinities for flags, researching LGBTQIA+ identities, and writing comedic stories with her sister. Whip-smart. Sarcastic. Loud. Unafraid. Impatient. Bouncy. Whirlwind. Insatiably, wonderfully, permanently curious. Hilarious. Wild.
She’s stunning. Really gorgeous, no matter how little she cares about her looks or her appearance, she is radiant. A blondie with bright eyes and a deep laugh, paces often when she’s talking, tells stories with the most detail you’ve ever heard, and is always thinking about and questioning every little aspect of every little thing she hears. Yearns to be included, heard, seen in every conversation. Always right. Seldom ever wrong. (Wink wink.)
